Top Skater

Top Skater is an arcade skateboarding game released by Sega in 1997, running on the Sega Model 2 hardware . It was one of the first arcade games to feature a skateboard controller interface . Players stand on a skateboard-like platform that swings side-to-side or tilts, controlling the on-screen skater's actions . The game consists of various ramps, rails, and other skating objects from which players can perform tricks to gain points . The goal is to perform tricks and collect time bonus rings to extend the limited time limit . The game's visual style, character art, and music heavily influenced Sega's later hit Crazy Taxi, which was also directed by Kenji Kanno . The soundtrack features songs by the punk rock band Pennywise . Coca-Cola was the main sponsor of the game .

Arcade

Released on March 15, 1997, in Japan and March 1997 in North America , Top Skater runs on Sega Model 2 hardware featuring an Intel i960-KB CPU and 68000 sound processor . The game was developed by Sega AM3 and directed by Kenji Kanno, with Hisao Oguchi serving as producer . The unique cabinet design, created in collaboration with Sega AM4 , features a physical skateboard controller where players must turn, tilt, and ollie by slapping the board's tail, adding immersive physicality to the gameplay . The game's spiritual successors include Air Trix (2001) and Ollie King . Despite its high cost at arcades—often eight quarters per play —Top Skater became a beloved and influential title, paving the way for Sega's action sports legacy .